courteous

polite, especially in a way that shows respecta courteous young manThe hotel staff are friendly and courteous.oppositediscourteousWord OriginMiddle English (meaning ‘having manners fit for a royal court’): from Old Frenchcorteis, based on Latincohors

‘yard, retinue’

. The change in the ending in the 16th cent. was due to association with words ending in -eous.Extra examplesShe was unfailingly courteous and helpful.He was a gentle, courteous man.I wrote him a short letter and received a courteous reply.The hotel staff were friendly and courteous.